Fentanyl and Carfentanyl alert

Public Health England have issued a formal alert about an increase in the possibility of overdose arising from heroin cut with synthetic opioids – fentanyl or carfentanyl. Both of these drugs are stronger than heroin and therefore there is a higher risk of overdose and death.

If you or someone you know is using heroin, you should be aware of the increased risks of overdose if the heroin has been cut with these drugs.

If you are a heroin user you should:

be extra cautious about where you get your drugs, and about the drugs you take, maybe starting with just a quarter hit of a new supply

seek treatment for drug dependence if not already in treatment

If you are with a heroin user when and after they use drugs (including other heroin users) should:

watch carefully for the signs of an overdose, e.g. loss of consciousness, shallow or absent breathing, ‘snoring’, and/or blue lips or fingertips

Be prepared to call immediately for an ambulance if someone overdoses and administer naloxone if available and competent to do so.

Drug treatment services should:

warn their services users, and where possible others not in contact with services, about the risks of heroin cut with fentanyls

supply naloxone so that it is available for all those at risk

ensure they provide rapid access to treatment, including substitute opioids, for heroin users

Fentanyls

The fentanyls are a group of synthetic opioids; some have legitimate uses while others are illicit drugs. Fentanyl is about 100 times more potent than morphine and is a licensed medicine used to treat severe and terminal pain. Carfentanyl is 4,000 – 10,000 times more potent than morphine and principally used as an animal tranquilliser.

If you would like any information or advice please visit your local service.

Where do you live?

Blenheim currently provides services across 11 London boroughs. If we don’t have services in your area, there’s lots more help available. Find out where else you can get help with drug and alcohol issues.